School Answering Machine – turn your volume up and click or press the “space bar” to play.
Aug 282010
Aug 192010
There has been a lot of emotional debate regarding the condition of Health Care in the United States and Congress’ attempt at reform via the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R.3590). A torrent of opinionated rhetoric has been espoused regarding the subject of Health Care, even to the point of an emotional clash of ideologies between those who support and those who oppose H.R.3590. From an out outside perspective though, it’s disturbing how little people actually know about what is in the H.R.3590.
I can’t claim to have read H.R.3590 in its entirety, but I have read a good portion of it and the following are two items which jumped out at me.
The first was a small section requiring each U.S. hospital to establish and make public a list of its standard charges for items and services. I think this is a great thing to do; it is a step towards empowering the consumer (the public) with the information to make an informed decision regarding the items and services for which they would like to choose to receive. This is a step in the direction of open market competition and I am very pleased to see it. I’ve always found it annoying to not have any idea how much things are going to cost when I visit a doctor. I would much prefer to know up front how much it’s going to cost, not find out when I get the bill after it’s all done.
The second thing that caught my eye was section 9002. I’ll let you read it.
SEC. 9002. INCLUSION OF COST OF EMPLOYER-SPONSORED HEALTH COVERAGE ON W-2.
(a) In General- Section 6051(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to receipts for employees) is amended by striking `and’ at the end of paragraph (12), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (13) and inserting `, and’, and by adding after paragraph (13) the following new paragraph:
`(14) the aggregate cost (determined under rules similar to the rules of section 4980B(f)(4)) of applicable employer-sponsored coverage (as defined in section 4980I(d)(1)), except that this paragraph shall not apply to–
`(A) coverage to which paragraphs (11) and (12) apply, or
`(B) the amount of any salary reduction contributions to a flexible spending arrangement (within the meaning of section 125).’.
(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010.
What this means is that starting in 2011 (next year!) your W-2 tax form sent by your employer will be increased to show the value of whatever health insurance you are given by the company. In other words, we will now be required to pay taxes on a large sum of money that we have never seen!
To see the effect, take your taxes from last year and see what $10,000 or $20,000 additional gross does to your tax debt. That’s what you’ll pay next year. It has an even worse impact on those of who are put into a new higher tax bracket as a result of this addition.
This little section of the enormous litigation has a huge impact on us, but none of our elected representatives seem to want to talk about what the bill actually does!?! Or is it that they don’t know?.. It’s somewhat suspicious when the most prominent supporter and active proponent of H.R.3590 states:
“But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it.” – Nancy Pelosi
Scary huh?
Jul 272010
The blowup over General McChrystal’s comments regarding Obama’s Administration needs to be revisited. While Obama hastened to get rid of McChrystal, the media focused on the importance of the long-standing tradition of military leaders never publically expressing anything which could be seen as insubordinate toward the President. But the media never looked at the root of the issue, why would a General be making those comments in the first place?
I strongly agree with the principle of the President as Commander in Chief, and as such the President should have the unwavering support and loyalty of the military; especially of military leadership. The President is first and foremost tasked with the defense of the Constitution of the United States, and by extension, the defense of the people of the United States. It is therefore his supreme responsibility to be Commander of the armed forces.
However; I also believe that the Joint Chiefs of Staff represent some of the most experienced Americans in regards to foreign affairs and the proper application of our forces. It would be only the most ignorant or stupid President who does not seek the advice and council of our Generals and Admirals.
A lack of confidence and support, such as was expressed by General McChrystal, specifically implies a significant breakdown in one of the most important relationships our Commander in Chief should be fostering.
The events which led up to General McChrystal’s resignation should be re-evaluated and pursued by the media. We, the American public, deserve to know why someone as intelligent and experienced as General McChrystal was commenting negatively about the administration.
Without further explanation, the scenario implies only one conclusion; Obama is failing on the most basic level to understand and fulfill his role as Commander in Chief. To emphasize the point further, compare the two resumes below.
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General McChrystal
Commander, International Security Assistance Force/
Commander, United States Forces Afghanistan
United States Army
SOURCE OF COMMISSIONED SERVICE: USMA EDUCATIONAL DEGREES
United States Military Academy – BS – No Major
United States Naval War College – MA – National Security and Strategic Studies
Salve Regina University – MS – International Relations
MILITARY SCHOOLS ATTENDED:
Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses
United States Naval Command and Staff College
Senior Service College Fellowship Harvard University
FOREIGN LANGUAGES:
Spanish
PROMOTIONS DATE OF APPOINTMENT:
2LT 2 Jun 76
1LT 2 Jun 78
CPT 1 Aug 80
MAJ 1 Jul 87
LTC 1 Sep 92
COL 1 Sep 96
BG 1 Jan 01
MG 1 May 04
LTG 16 Feb 06
GEN 11 Jun 09
FROM TO ASSIGNMENT:
Nov 76 Feb 78 Weapons Platoon Leader, C Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Feb 78 Jul 78 Rifle Platoon Leader, C Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Jul 78 Nov 78 Executive Officer, C Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Nov 78 Apr 79 Student, Special Forces Officer Course, Special Forces School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Apr 79 Jun 80 Commander, Detachment A, A Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Jun 80 Feb 81 Student, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia
Feb 81 Mar 82 S2/S3 (Intelligence/Operations), United Nations Command Support Group Joint Security Area, Korea
Mar 82 Nov 82 Training Officer, Directorate of Plans and Training, A Company, Headquarters Command, Fort Stewart, Georgia
Nov 82 Sep 84 Commander, A Company, 3d Battalion, 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Stewart, Georgia
Sep 84 Sep 85 S3 (Operations), 3d Battalion, 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Stewart, Georgia
Sep 85 Jan 86 Liaison Officer, 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia
Jan 86 May 87 Commander, A Company, 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia
May 87 Apr 88 Liaison Officer, 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia
Apr 88 Jun 89 S3 (Operations), 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia
Jun 89 Jun 90 Student, Command and Staff Course, United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island
Jun 90 Apr 93 Army Special Operations Action Officer, J3, Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina and OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD/STORM, Saudi Arabia
Apr 93 Nov 94 Commander, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Nov 94 Jun 96 Commander, 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Washington
Jun 96 Jun 97 Senior Service College Fellowship, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Jun 97 Aug 99 Commander, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia
Aug 99 Jun 00 Military Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations, New York, New York
Jun 00 Jun 01 Assistant Division Commander (Operations), 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina to include duty as Commander, Combined Joint Task Force Kuwait, Camp Doha, Kuwait
Jun 01 Jul 02 Chief of Staff, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, Fort Bragg, North Carolina to include duty as Chief of Staff, Combined Joint Task Force180, OPERATION ENDURING
FREEDOM, Afghanistan
Jul 02 Sep 03 Vice Director for Operations, J3, The Joint Staff, Washington, DC
Sep 03 Feb 06 Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Feb 06 Jun 08 Commander, Joint Special Operations Command/Commander, Joint Special Operations Command Forward, United States Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Aug 08 Jun 09 Director, The Joint Staff, Washington, DC
Jun 09 Present Commander, International Security Assistance Force/Commander, United States Forces Afghanistan, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan
SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS:
S2/S3 (Intelligence/Operations), United Nations Command Support Group Joint Security Area, Korea (Feb 81-Mar 82, Captain)
Army Special Operations Action Officer, J3, Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina and OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD/STORM, Saudi Arabia Jun 90-Apr 93 Major/Lieutenant Colonel)
Chief of Staff, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, Fort Bragg, North Carolina to include duty as Chief of Staff, Combined Joint Task Force180, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan (Jun 01-Jul 02, Brigadier General)
Vice Director for Operations, J3, The Joint Staff, Washington, DC (Jul 02-Sep 03, Brigadier General)
Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina (Sep 03-Feb 06, Brigadier General/Major General)
Commander, Joint Special Operations Command/Commander, Joint Special Operations
Command Forward, United States Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina (Feb 06-Jun 08, Major General/Lieutenant General)
Director, The Joint Staff, Washington, DC (Aug 08-Jun 09, Lieutenant General)
Commander, International Security Assistance Force/Commander, United States Forces Afghanistan, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan (Jun 09-Present, General)
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS ASSIGNMENTS DATE GRADE
Army Special Operations Action Officer, J3, Joint Special Operations Command, OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD/STORM, Saudi Arabia (Jun 90-Mar 91, Major)
Commander, Combined Joint Task Force Kuwait, Camp Doha, Kuwait (Apr 01-Jun 01, Brigadier General)
Chief of Staff, Combined Joint Task Force180, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan (May 02-Jul 02, Brigadier General)
Commander, International Security Assistance Force/Commander, United States Forces Afghanistan, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan (Jun 09- Present, General)
US DECORATIONS AND BADGES:
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)
Legion of Merit (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Bronze Star Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Expert Infantryman Badge
Master Parachutist Badge
Ranger Tab
Special Forces Tab
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
——————————————————————-
Barack Hussein Obama II
President, United States of America
Education: Columbia University, Harvard Law School. Records never produced, attendance remains questionable.
Military Career: None
Business Career: None
Political Career: Community organizer, Chicago, 1983-86; civil rights attorney, Chicago, 1991-96; University of Chicago, lecturer, early 1990s-2004; Illinois State Senator, 1996-2005; U.S. Senator, 2005-2008; President 2008-.
Jul 132010
With our upcoming vacation in mind, we bought a new camera small enough to slip into a pocket. After much research and deliberation we settled on the Sony W350
I’m not much more advanced of a photographer than the typical “point-and-shoot” person; however, I do have an appreciation for some of the more advanced technology, such as high ISO for low-light settings, and some of the methodologies, such as the rule of thirds.
This camera has impressed me with it’s ability to quickly capture and process very high quality pictures in a variety of conditions. We brought the camera along with us for our Independence Day celebrations in order to test it out. Take a look at these pictures!!! So far I am pleased with our purchase.
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- Oregon Coast
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- Winston in the Car
Jul 122010
Let’s put the seniors in jail, and the criminals in a nursing home. This way the seniors would have access to showers, hobbies, and walks; they’d receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs, etc.; and they’d receive money instead of paying it out.
They would have constant video monitoring so they could be helped instantly, if they fell, or needed assistance.
Bedding would be washed twice a week, and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them.
A guard would check on them every 20 minutes, and bring their meals and snacks to their cells. They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose.
They would have access to a library, weight room, spiritual counseling, pool, and education, simple clothing, shoes, slippers, P.J.’s and legal aid would be free, on request.
Private, secure rooms for all, with an exercise outdoor yard, with gardens.
Each senior could have a PC, TV, radio, and daily phone calls.
There would be a board of directors, to hear complaints, and the guards would have a code of conduct, that would be strictly adhered to.
The “criminals” would get cold food, be left all alone, and unsupervised.
Lights would be turned off at 8 pm, and showers would be available once a week. They would live in a tiny room, pay $5000.00 per month, and have no hope of ever getting out.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT, ISN’T IT?
Mar 262010
This is a trailer for a new documentary film.
Mar 022010
An interesting look at the branding and commercialization of politics.
Mar 022010
Mar 022010
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Contact: James Bopp, Jr.
Phone: 812/232-2434; Fax: 812/235-3685; jboppjr@aol.com
Protect Marriage Washington Files Supreme Court Brief to Protect Privacy of Petition Signers
Protect Marriage Washington filed its opening brief today in the United States Supreme Court case of Doe #1 v. Reed. Protect Marriage Washington sponsored a referendum in Washington and is asking the Supreme Court to prevent the state from releasing the names, addresses, and other personal information of more than 138,000 individuals that signed the petition.
The effort to place the names of the petition signers on the internet is the latest example of the campaign to harass and intimidate anyone supporting traditional marriage by making personal information available on the internet. Their efforts have resulted in death threats, physical violence, and property damage directed at individuals supporting a traditional definition of marriage.
James Bopp,Jr., lead counsel for Protect Marriage Washington, stated that “Public disclosure laws have been used to harass and intimidate voters. The First Amendment protects citizens engaged in political speech from being forced to reveal their identity to ensure that intimidation does not makes its way into the campaign toolbox. No one should have to endure death threats in order to stand up for what they believe in.”
On September 10, 2009, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington issued an order preventing the release of the names of the petition signers. On October 15, 2009, the Ninth Circuit issued a single page order allowing the release of the names. On October 20, 2009, the Supreme Court issued an emergency order preventing the release of the names until the appeal is decided.
The case is Doe #1 v. Reed. It will be argued before the United States Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Protect Marriage Washington’s opening brief, along with the prior orders in the case, are available on the website of the James Madison Center for Free Speech, http://www.jamesmadisoncenter.org/WA/Ref71/Index.html under the “Washington Referendum 71 Petition Suit” heading.
James Bopp, Jr. has a national federal and state election law practice. He is General Counsel for the James Madison Center for Free Speech and former Co-Chairman of the Election Law Subcommittee of the Federalist Society.
Feb 262010
via youtube.com
An elderly couple walked into the lobby of the Mayo Clinic for a checkup and spotted a piano. They’ve been married for 62 years and he’ll be 90 this year. Check out this impromptu performance!